What qualifications do you need?

Generally speaking, applicants to Forensic Science courses will need to have studied Biology and/or Chemistry at A Level (or equivalent). Always check the specific criteria for any course that interests you. Grades and other requirements vary from institution to institution.

What degrees can you study?

Forensic Science can be taken as either a single or joint honours degree. Single honours will tend to be a BSc, whereas the degree type awarded on a combined honours course will vary depending on the subject taken in conjunction with Forensic Science. A degree in Archaeology with Forensic Science, for example, will award a BA, whereas Forensic Science and Applied Biology would earn you a BSc.

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Study Forensic Science, why & how to study

Q: Why study Forensic Science?

A Forensic Science degree teaches you a series of skills specific to the subject, such as how to collect a number of different types of evidence and how to preserve and analyse them. Given the subject's focus on the law, you're also likely to gain experience in giving evidence in court. This could prove very useful if you choose to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Q: What jobs can you get as a Forensic Science graduate?

Aside from the obvious career path of becoming a forensic scientist, the scientific and law-oriented nature of the degree means graduates can enter a number of different careers upon leaving university. Examples of these include in research, medical sales, the police force, biological testing and teaching.

Q: How will you be assessed?

You'll be assessed in a variety of different ways, including practical and written exams, coursework, presentations, incident analyses and expert witness testimonies.

Q: What are the postgraduate opportunities?

If you wish to study Forensic Science beyond undergraduate level you'll be able to focus on a more specific area of the subject. Possible specialities include cybercrime, forensic genetics and forensic mental health.

Forensic Science is a complex and useful area of study ‒ searching for evidence that could solve a criminal case.

CHOOSING A COURSE POSTGRADUATE UNDERGRADUATE

Tamsin Mosse 15 Sep 2023

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Forensic expert collects evidence at the crime scene

What’s Forensic Science?
What Forensic Science degrees can you study?
What do you need to get onto a Forensic Science degree?
What topics does a Forensic Science degree cover?
How will you be assessed?
Why study Forensic Science?
Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Forensic Science?
What do Forensic Science graduates earn?
What jobs can you get as a Forensic Science graduate?
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
Similar subjects to Forensic Science
Have any questions?

What’s Forensic Science?

Forensic Science is the application of science to law, carried out through the collection, preservation and analysis of evidence.

The subject area covers many sub-disciplines such as forensic chemistry, forensic accounting and forensic linguistics and there’s a lot of variation in course content.

What Forensic Science degrees can you study?

Forensic Science can be taken as either a single or joint honours undergraduate degree, for example:

Options may include an integrated foundation year or master’s, professional experience, or study abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Forensic Science degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for Forensic Science courses depend on the university, ranging from 96–160 UCAS tariff points. Qualifications may include the following:

A Levels: AAB–CCE
BTECs: DDD–MMP
Scottish Highers: AAABB–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–BBC)
International Baccalaureate: 36–26
Universities will usually ask that you have studied: A Level (or equivalent) in biology and/or chemistry

Good to have 

Studied computer science, maths or engineering
Work experience or shadowing related occupations, such the police, scientific or university labs
Experience that evidences interpersonal or team working skills
Volunteering as a police cadet or youth volunteer

Further reading, online courses or MOOCs, or check out forensic science podcasts
STEM science opportunities such as Sutton Trust summer schools, if eligible

What topics does a Forensic Science degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

Crime mapping
Criminal intelligence and investigation
Cybercrime and digital forensics
Ethical hacking
Evaluation of crime prevention measures
Fire analysis
Fundamentals of forensic science: from crime scene to court
Human anatomy and physiology
Probability, statistics and modelling
Terrorism

How will you be assessed?

Assessments are usually carried out by a mixture of the following, and will vary from module to module:

Coursework
Expert witness testimonies
Case studies or incident analyses
Essays
Lab reports
Exams (practical and written)
Presentations
Dissertation

Why study Forensic Science?

Career-specific skills:

Intellectual and practical skills in areas that could include entomology, forensic photography, drug analysis, fire investigations and accountancy
Scientific processes such as research, reasoning and lab skills
Experience of giving evidence in court, and court procedures

Transferable skills:

Communication (written and verbal)
Critical and analytical thinking
IT skills
Methodical approach to work
Presentation
Reasoning and evaluation
Report writing
Team working

Professional accreditation:

Degrees may be accredited by the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
Some may be accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry

GO TO
Six reasons to study Forensic Science

Are scholarships and bursaries available to students studying Forensic Science?

Some universities offer Forensic Science students a scholarship, bursary or grant so it’s worth seeing if you are eligible, how to apply and what it covers e.g., materials, tuition fees or living costs. 

What do Forensic Science graduates earn?

Forensic Science graduates can expect an entry-level salary of approx. £20,000. With experience this can go up to between £25,000–£45,000. Salaries can vary widely. If you plan to fight cybercrime, a senior digital forensic officer at the Serious Fraud Office could earn £40,000–£46,000, depending on experience.

GO TO
What do graduates do and earn?

What jobs can you get as a Forensic Science graduate?

Aside from becoming a forensic scientist, the scientific and law-oriented nature of the degree means there are other options available:

Analytical scientist
Crime scene investigator
Forensic intelligence analyst
Forensic scientist
Police officer
Research scientist
Teacher
Toxicologist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

Crime and Forensic Science MSc
Forensic Science MSc/MRes/MPhil/PhD
Forensic Anthropology MSc
Forensic Art & Facial Imaging MSc

Similar subjects to Forensic Science

Other subject areas that might appeal to you include:

Have any questions?

If you have questions about studying Forensic Science, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!